CN101416180B - For the two dimensional trees of edit graph-like diagram - Google Patents

Abstract

Based on figure shape visual language automatically by figure diagram dynamically layout become two-dimentional tree structure so that user interactions shows with optimum.The graphical tree structure of at least one branch that the root that display is included in tree structure starts, this branch comprises the one or more subdivisions being configured to revise in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.This subdivision according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act to represent whole object model.Receive user's input of the one or more subdivisions of amendment except end portion.Input based on this user, flatly, vertically or both revise one or more subdivision with having concurrently so that the display of user interactions, optimization graphical tree structure or both.

Description

For the two dimensional trees of edit graph-like diagram

Background

Computing system has revolutionized the mode of people's work and game.Computing system has various form, comprises laptop computer, desk-top computer, personal digital assistant, phone, the equipment that is not associated with computing system even traditionally, such as such as refrigerator and automobile etc.Computing system even can comprise the computing system of the multiple compositions via network interconnection.Therefore, some computing system may be enough little of applicable palm, and other computing systems spread all over the world.

The field having become the computing technique of increased popularity is graphical modeling, and it allows user visually to show the figure shape diagram (graph-likediagram) such as process flow diagram of such as numerous system, service or process.The example of diagram comprises workflow diagram, data flow diagram, E-R figure, business process map etc.More specifically, these figure shape diagrams allow user visually to pass on different calculating or the function of the various assembly of other system, business or project model etc. or element, behavior aspect and relation; Therefore allow to be often complicated system or the efficient reception and registration of process.

Such as, figure shape diagram can the flow process of visual sales transactions.The element of this process flow diagram and assembly can represent such as to be selected required product, place an order, arranges to send and the event such as payment.The entity of more than all right visual execution of this diagram listed task.For the very complicated sales transactions relating to numerous entity, check that this transaction can be easier to understand than with other forms graphically.

Although figure shape diagram is very useful in visualization system and process, there is the restriction to its serviceability.Such as, along with diagram becomes more greatly and more complicated, because the size of display device, resolution and other abilities just may not have enough spaces to show all component and element.In other words, available display space and ability restriction can check how many assemblies and object simultaneously.For user think procedure for displaying thereon beginning and terminate both diagram for this is especially a problem.

A solution uses larger display device by being.But due to the cost that this will need, for most of user, this is unpractical.In addition, diagram may become too large to make not having actual display device can show all elements of this diagram.

The normally used another kind of solution limited for this display allows user's manually this diagram of convergent-divergent again.Whenever such as, user will be added to " amplification " of diagram through new element of being everlasting.Although this solution may be effective for only having the figure of oligo-element, for larger diagram but not so.These diagrams become can not read through often after exaggerated several times.

Another kind of common solution is the multiple diagrams making all required diagram element comprising readable size together.But this is often time-consuming.In addition, use multiple diagram often to lose flow process or " thinking map (mentalmap) " of diagram, this is gloomy for user.

Another solution creates the automatic instrument to the element layout of diagram to attempt diagram to be scaled readable form.But these instruments realize complicated algorithm, and its computation complexity makes to process them slowly.Whenever be added to this diagram at new element, these instruments must again process this algorithm and create new diagram, make these instruments be unpractical for interactive editor.In addition, the great majority in these algorithms reorientate each element of this diagram when adding new element.As a result, user often loses " the thinking map " of this diagram his or her, and this is irritating.

Brief overview

Defect and the shortcoming of above identified existing diagram generation and display packing are overcome by example embodiment disclosed herein.Note, provide this general introduction so that some concepts will further described in the following detailed description with the form introduction simplified.This general introduction is not intended to the key feature or the essential feature that identify theme required for protection, is not intended to the scope for helping to determine theme required for protection yet.

An example embodiment provides and automatically figure diagram layout is become two-dimentional tree structure so that user interactions shows with optimum based on figure shape visual language.In this embodiment, display graphics tree structure.This graphical tree structure comprises at least one branch, and this branch is from the root of this graphical tree structure and comprise the one or more subdivisions being configured to revise in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.This subdivision according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act to represent total object model.Then user's input of the one or more subdivision of amendment is received.Input based on this user, flatly, vertically or both have concurrently on-the-fly modify one or more subdivision so that the display of user interactions, optimization graphical tree structure or both.

Another example embodiment dynamically layout of flow chart can also be become two-dimentional tree structure based on figure shape visual language so that user interactions shows with optimum.In this embodiment, display graphics tree structure.This graphical tree structure to comprise from the root of this tree structure and comprises at least one branch of multiple subdivision.At least one in subdivision is also end portion.This subdivision according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act to represent total object model.Then user's input of one or more subdivisions of amendment except end portion is received.Input based on this user, convergent-divergent, expansion or folding one or more subdivision except end portion and without the need to also revising this end portion.This amendment allows to be easy to user interactions, optimize the display of graphical tree structure or both.

The amendment made one or more sub-branches of this graphical tree structure can retain in memory when the application program of display graphics tree structure exits by another example embodiment lastingly.In this embodiment, the application program of display graphics tree structure is activated.This graphical tree structure comprises at least one branch from the root of this tree structure, and this branch comprises the one or more sub-branches coming system, service or process model building according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act.Receive user's input of amendment at least one sub-branch.Input based on this user, this amendment is remained in long-time memory.After time after a while after user exits application program reactivates this application program, graphical tree structure is shown in the appearance that before this application program exits, it occurs.

Supplementary features of the present invention and advantage will describe in the following description, and its part will be apparent according to this description, or by knowing practice of the present invention.The features and advantages of the present invention realize by the means particularly pointed out in the dependent claims with combination and obtain.These and other features of the present invention will be become by the following description and the appended claims book more completely obviously, or by knowing hereinafter described practice of the present invention.

Accompanying drawing is sketched

In order to describe the mode that can obtain above and other advantage feature of the present invention, the specific embodiments of the invention by reference shown in accompanying drawing being presented above the of the present invention of concise and to the point description and more specifically describing.Be appreciated that these accompanying drawings only describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention, thus be not therefore considered to restriction on its scope, the present invention describes by the additional characteristic sum details of use accompanying drawing and explains, in accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 illustrates the computing system for dynamically figure shape visual language being shown as figure two dimension tree structure;

Fig. 2 A illustrates the example of figure shape visual language;

Fig. 2 B illustrates the figure shape visual language of Fig. 2 A being shown as figure two dimension tree structure according to each example embodiment;

Fig. 3 A illustrates the example graph two dimension tree structure according to each example embodiment;

Fig. 3 B illustrates the amendment done by the figure two dimension tree structure of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 3 C illustrates the further amendment done by the figure two dimension tree structure of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 4 A illustrates another example graph two dimension tree structure according to each example embodiment;

Fig. 4 B illustrates the amendment done by the figure two dimension tree structure of Fig. 4 A;

Fig. 4 C illustrates the further amendment done by the figure two dimension tree structure of Fig. 4 A;

Fig. 5 illustrates figure one dimension tree structure;

Fig. 6 illustrates according to each example embodiment for the process flow diagram autoplacement of figure shape visual language being become the process flow diagram of the method for figure two dimension tree structure;

Fig. 7 illustrates according to each example embodiment for the amendment made one or more sub-branches of graphical tree being retained lastingly the process flow diagram of method in memory;

Fig. 8 illustrates according to each example embodiment for graphical tree structure being converted to the process flow diagram of the method for figure two dimension tree structure; And

Fig. 9 illustrates according to each example embodiment for the process flow diagram autoplacement of figure shape visual language being become the process flow diagram of the method for figure two dimension tree structure.

Describe in detail

The present invention relates to for Tu Zhuan visual language autoplacement being become two-dimentional tree structure to allow to be easy to user interactions and optimum various methods, system and the computer program shown.Embodiments of the invention can comprise the special or multi-purpose computer containing various computer hardware or module, and this will make further discussion following.

Example embodiment provide be configured to overcome existing instrument various defects, for the some mechanism allowing the mode of dynamic interaction and optimum display to carry out layout shape visual language.Such as, an embodiment provides a kind of for process flow diagram Dynamic Distribution being become the mechanism of two-dimentional tree structure herein.This figure shape visual language is shown as X-Y scheme tree structure.This graphical tree structure to comprise from the root of this tree structure and comprises at least one branch of subdivision.This subdivision is used for according to one or more objects of this tree structure, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act to represent total object model.This subdivision also can comprise at least one end portion, although this is not required for all embodiments.

This tree structure shows in the mode contributing to user interactions.Such as, can user-interactive (UI) element of amendment of display and control subdivision.The amendment receiving such as selection UI element etc. is not the user interactions of one or more subdivisions of end portion.These amendments comprise convergent-divergent, folding and expansion subdivision.

Based on this user interactions, on-the-fly modify two-dimentional tree structure.Such as, in certain embodiments, subdivision except end portion can be scaled to optimize the display of tree structure in available display space, no matter or subdivision can be folded or launch muchly all can check part needed for this tree structure to allow this tree structure to have.In other embodiments, can flatly, vertically or both revise subdivision with having concurrently.

Other embodiments allow even to retain when the application program running this tree structure exits the amendment made tree structure lastingly.Such as, activate the application program of display graphics tree structure and receive the user's input revising graphical tree structure in the mode of exemplified earlier.But, input based on this user, remain on to the amendment of this tree structure in long-time memory.In addition, becoming the hiding amendment to a subdivision because of the subsequent modification to other subdivisions also can be maintained in long-time memory.After time after a while after user has exited application program reactivates this application program, graphical tree structure is shown in the appearance that before this application program exits, its occurs.As time goes on display graphics tree structure and amendment of always need not reforming when application program exits and restart are allowed to the maintenance of visible and hiding amendment.In addition, the state hidden is kept to ensure do not have subdivision to lose when application program exits.

Other embodiments allow the figure shape visual language that can not be modified and tree structure to convert to can by the two-dimentional tree structure on-the-fly modified.These embodiments also allow to comprise a branch and the conversion comprising the one dimension tree structure of end portion, and this branch is from the root of this tree structure and the multiple subdivisions comprised system, service and process model building.The subdivision of this one dimension tree structure can not be revised when also not revising end portion, and this is contrary with the two-dimentional tree structure that its subdivision can be revised when without the need to also revising end portion.Be that two-dimentional tree structure gives user and utilizes this to on-the-fly modify and the ability of this two-dimentional tree structure being carried out to display optimization by these cooperating measure.In addition, this allows the depth-width ratio being automatically optimized to available display screen curtain or window by the direction of the subdivision that automatically switches between vertical and horizontal as required.

Although carry out more detailed description with reference to accompanying drawing to more specifically describing of favorable characteristics as follows, each embodiment in the scope of the invention also comprises the computer-readable medium for carrying or store computer executable instructions or data structure thereon.Such computer-readable medium can be can by any usable medium of universal or special computer access.Exemplarily unrestricted, such computer-readable medium can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage apparatus or can be used for carrying or storing computer executable instructions or data structure form required program code devices and can by other medium any of universal or special computer access.When information is transmitted by network or another communication connection (hardwired, wireless or hardwired or wireless combination) or is supplied to computing machine, this connection is considered as computer-readable medium by this computing machine completely.Therefore, any connection is like this properly termed computer-readable medium.Above combination also should be included within the scope of computer-readable medium.

Computer executable instructions comprises such as, makes multi-purpose computer, special purpose computer or dedicated treatment facility perform the instruction and data of a certain function or certain group function.Although describe this theme with to architectural feature and/or the special language of method action, be appreciated that subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to above-mentioned specific features or action.On the contrary, above-mentioned specific features and action are as disclosed in the exemplary forms realizing claim.

As used herein, term " module " or " assembly " can refer to the software object that performs on a computing system or routine.Different assembly described herein, module, engine and service can be implemented as the object or process (such as, as the thread separated) that perform on a computing system.Although system and method described herein preferably can realize with software, be also possible with the realization of the combination of hardware or software and hardware and be conceived.In this manual, " computational entity " can be as any computing system defined above, or the combination of any module run on a computing system or module.

With reference now to accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 illustrates the computing system 100 that can be used for realizing various embodiments disclosed herein.Computing system 100 depicts the various module and assembly that can use when realizing each embodiment.Note, computing system 100 just exemplarily illustrates, and shall not be applied to the scope of any one in restriction appended claims or each embodiment disclosed herein.In other words, existence can be used for other computing systems numerous and the arrangement of components that realize each embodiment described herein.

Computing system 100 comprises the figure shape visual language 110 of the process flow diagram modeling that can be used for system, service and process.The Usual examples of figure shape visual language comprises the structural drawing what emphasizes usually to have in the system of institute's modeling, service or process; Emphasize the behavior figure of general what happened in the system of institute's modeling, service or process; Or the interaction figure of control between the thing emphasizing in the system of institute's modeling, service or process and data stream.Other common figure shape visual languages comprise the entity relationship diagram in the unified modeling language (UML) of various diagram type, database field and the business process map for business Process Design.Usually, each embodiment described herein is applied to can be the figure shape visual language 110 of any standard drawing shape visual language.Therefore, in this manual any of specific pattern shape visual language is quoted just in order to illustrate and shall not be applied to the scope limiting each embodiment disclosed herein.

Computing system 100 also comprises the design tool/application program 120 helping figure shape visual language 110 to be shown as two-dimentional tree structure 190.Design tool/application program 120 also helps to on-the-fly modify shown two-dimentional tree structure 190.Any one in design tool/application program 120 and various module thereof and/or assembly all can be implemented as software, hardware or both any combinations and can be hosted on single Local or Remote computing equipment or in a distributed computing environment.

Design tool 120 comprises the layout that figure shape visual language 110 is shown as two-dimentional tree structure 190/present module 130.In certain embodiments, layout/present module 130 shows the element be input to by user in designer tool/application 120.Then designer tool/application 120 draws interconnection line between elements automatically according to the relation defined by realized figure shape visual language 110.

In other embodiments, layout modules 130 receives or otherwise accesses the figure shape visual language 110 existed before the time received.Existing figure shape visual language 110 can from the computing machine of main memory design tool 120 or a certain other computing machines reception being connected to computing system 100 from the network by any type.In these embodiments, figure shape visual language 110 can be used as the tree structure with the subdivision that can not be modified and receives, or it can be used as to have as will be described in more detail in the following and is received by the one dimension tree structure of the subdivision revised one-dimensionally only.Then existing figure shape visual language can be supplied to modular converter 150 to convert to as also by the following two-dimentional tree structure be explained in more detail.

Though the figure adverbial modifier say 110 be pre-existing in or created by user, layout/present module 130 all automatically this figure adverbial modifier speech to be shown as two-dimentional tree structure 190.Tree structure 190 can comprise at least one branch from the root of this tree structure and comprise multiple subdivision or sub-branch.One in subdivision also can be end portion.This subdivision according to the object of the system of institute's modeling, service or process, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act to being sayed the system of 110 displays, service or process model building by the figure adverbial modifier.

In addition, this two-dimentional tree structure 190 by layout/present module 130 with allow the subdivision of this tree structure by designer tool/application 120 vertically, flatly, diagonally or the mode dynamically and automatically revised with having concurrently of three construct or change.In certain embodiments, be also that the subdivision of end portion is not modified.The concrete example of two dimension tree structure 190 will provide hereinafter.

Designer tool/application 120 also comprises modified module 140.Modified module 140 receives the subdivision of amendment tree structure 190 user from user inputs 180.Such as, this user input can select revisable subdivision for folding, launching or convergent-divergent.Input in response to this user, it is one or more that modified module 140 dynamically and is automatically revised in the subdivision of the tree structure just shown by layout modules 130.

Such as, this subdivision can be scaled to optimize available display space, or can folded or launch to allow the focusing of subdivision selected by tree structure 190 to show.Advantageously, the configuration of tree structure 190 allows amendment need not also revise from this to stationary part bifurcated any or all subdivision out to stationary part, therefore allows user to be in operation and dynamically shows required subdivision.Can (horizontal or vertical combination can be considered to) flatly, vertically, diagonally or revise this subdivision with any combination of three.

In addition, the subdivision revised dynamically is located to make shown subdivision to optimize available display space, and this advantageously allows process flow diagram to maintain optimum outward appearance.In some cases, the subdivision of level display can vertically or diagonally be reorientated to balance display.Also can be changed the change of the subdivision that vertical and diagonal angle show.Above advantage becomes more apparent by the discussion of the following concrete example to two-dimentional tree structure.

In certain embodiments, modified module 140 also receives and specifies tree structure 190 by by the predefine rule 160 how revised and/or show.In these embodiments, modified module 160 is based on the user interactions discussed and received rule 160 dynamically convergent-divergent, expansion or folding subdivision except at least one end portion.Second graph element is placed on the right side of the first graphic element and all extra objects is placed on below this second object by a bootable layout modules of example rule 160 130 in flow charts.

In other embodiments, designer tool/application 120 can access long-time memory 170.Long-time memory 170 can be the reasonable long-time memory of any type and can reside on the computing machine of main memory designer tool/application 120, or visits by the network connection of any type.In these embodiments, keep any amendment done by the subdivision of tree structure 190 when using long-time memory 170 to exit designer tool/application 120 user.When this user reactivates designer tool/application 120, as will be explained in more detail in the following, tree structure 190 is shown as the appearance that it occurs before designer tool/application 120 exits.

With reference to figure 2A, depict a concrete figure shape visual language flow process Figure 200.Flow process Figure 200 is the Use Case Map (part of UML) illustrating how actor can use software to place an order.Shown in this diagram is different objects and connector type.Such as, shape 201 is actor type.The thing that other shape representations this action person does or the thing completed by this process.Line between various shape is the connector of the relation represented between each shape.In fig. 2, connector can be that such as < uses > or < to expand > type and other connector types.

Such as, user (actor) 201 can place an order 208.As shown in connector 211, place an order and be deployed to request goods catalogue 204.Use of placing an order provides action customer data 202, order products 203 and arranges payment 205, as shown in connector 212-214.Type of payment can be that cash 206 maybe can arrange credit card 207, as shown in connector 215 and 216.

As mentioned above, designer tool/application 120 can receive flow process Figure 200 and this flow process Figure 200 is converted to two-dimentional tree structure, and it comprises by as mentioned above in the vertical and horizontal direction and may convergent-divergent, folding and launch the subdivision 231-237 that revises in the diagonal direction.With reference now to Fig. 2 B, flow process Figure 200 be shown in experienced by conversion and procedure for displaying after it may appear at appearance in designer tool/application 120.Note, can although the diagram 200 corresponding with tree structure 190 is optional, but still comprise previously described object 201-208.Be also noted that, user-interactive (UI) element 221-229 also adds this tree structure to by designer tool/application 120.The subdivision of this UI element for allowing user dynamically to revise tree structure 200.

In fig. 2b, connector 212,213 and 214 uses common point of > style connector to be converted into based on it as < to be singlely connected branch.In the same way, connector 215 and 216 to be converted into based on its common connector type and to be singlely connected branch.Both is all the example of connectors, and wherein in the transition period to two-dimentional tree structure, the two or more connections between each subdivision are combined into the connector representing unit connector.Certainly, if situation ensures, then it is also possible that dissimilar connector can be combined into single connector.Such as, in fig. 2, the general perpendicular line corresponding to subdivision 237 will be connectors, and the horizontal line corresponding to subdivision 233 and 234 will be specific connector.In these embodiments, the instruction that dissimilar connector has been combined into single connector can be placed on the flush deck socket side corresponding to subdivision 233 and 234.

In the figure, user 201 serves as the root of this tree structure.Note, a more than root may be there is.Such as, " placing an order " 208 can be the root from the Liang Ge branch that its bifurcated goes out, and " arranging to pay " 205 also can be used as the root of the branch gone out from its bifurcated.Tree structure 200 also comprises some end portion at the end as branch.Such as, " request goods catalogue " 204 can be end portion, because it is the end of branch.In the same way, " providing customer data " 202, " order products " 203, " arranging to pay " 207 and " cash payment " 206 also can be considered to end portion, because they are ends of branch.In certain embodiments, can the subdivision except end portion be modified.In other embodiments, can modify all subdivisions.

As mentioned above, designer tool/application 120 adds UI element 221-229 to two-dimentional tree structure 200.These UI elements allow user's level and vertically dynamically revise each subdivision 231-237.This amendment is convergent-divergent, folding or of launching in each subdivision normally.Now some examples will be described.Note, although example uses folding as shown amendment usually, expansion and/or convergent-divergent also can even perform when not having explicit mentioning.

Such as, can UI222 be selected, make to fold in vertical direction the subdivision 232 comprising object 204.Meanwhile, can UI223 be selected, make the folding subdivision 233-237 with its corresponding object.Therefore, two-dimentional tree structure 200 has the ability of level or vertical amendment.Although Fig. 2 B is not shown, as will be described below with reference to Fig. 3, two-dimentional tree-shaped mechanism also can revise in the diagonal direction.

In addition, subdivision also can be revised in both the horizontal and vertical directions.Such as, can UI226 be selected, make to fold object 206 and 207 in vertical direction.On the contrary, UI227 and/or 228 can be selected, make horizontal folding object 206 and/or 207.In the same way, subdivision 233,234 with 237 when select UI223 can by vertical revise and when select respectively UI224,225 and 229 also can be revised by level.

In certain embodiments, two-dimentional tree structure 200 also has and to modify the subdivision of this tree structure 200 and without the need to also to the ability that the subdivision gone out from the subdivision bifurcated be modified modifies automatically.Such as, UI225 can be folded.This is by the folding subdivision 234 comprising object 205.But subdivision 235 and 236 can not also by auto-folder.They can simply again convergent-divergent availablely check space to optimize.Certainly, user may only need display object 206, and object 207 also can by horizontal folding after receiving the user interactions for this end points in this case.

As another example, the subdivision 231 comprising object 208 folds by selecting UI221.In many traditional one dimension tree structures, this is by the remainder of this tree structure of auto-folder.In two dimensional trees, still show all the other subdivisions until user interactions specifies the amendment to them, although they can by auto zoom to allow to optimize display in certain embodiments.Therefore, user can dynamically revise tree structure 200 only to show the subdivision desired by user.

Note, in following Fig. 2 B and Fig. 3 and 4, for each object or subdivision merely illustrate a UI element.Shown UI element allows folding and launches subdivision.Be appreciated that the UI element that also can adopt larger quantity.These additional UI unit usually expansion and the additional relationships between folding characteristic mark, user comment, object and/or subdivision etc. can be used.Therefore, each embodiment disclosed herein contemplates the two-dimentional tree structure realizing any amount of UI element.

In order to illustrate further provided by design tool/application program 120 on-the-fly modify ability, Fig. 3 A depicts Versatile two-dimension tree structure 300 that can be corresponding with the tree structure 190 of Fig. 1.Fig. 3 A comprises various shape 301-313.Note, these shapes comprise or describe various object, attribute, operation, association etc.The exact nature of shape 301-313 is unimportant for each embodiment described herein, and is illustrated as various shape to react this point.Tree structure 300 also comprises UI element 321-333, and these elements to be positioned in this tree structure allowing by launching/and folding and zoom mechanism on-the-fly modifies the subdivision of this tree structure.Note, the total arrangement of tree structure 300 is just in order to illustrate and shall not be applied to restriction each embodiment disclosed herein.

Shape 301 can serve as the root of this tree structure, although other elements also can be the roots of this tree structure.That go out from this furcation area is each subdivision 350-361.Note, some subdivision is horizontal direction, and some is vertical direction, and some is to angular direction.Because tree structure 300 is two-dimentional, if so situation ensures, it can revise in any one of these directions.As mentioned above, normally convergent-divergent, folding or expansion is revised.

With reference to figure 3B, depict the tree structure 300 after some sub-branch is modified.Such as, user may expect amendment diagonal angle subdivision 350.User can provide the input by selecting UI element 321, therefore folds the subdivision 350 comprising shape 302 in the diagonal direction.In certain embodiments, when selecting UI321, subdivision 351 and 352 also can be folded by diagonal angle.In other embodiments, two-dimentional tree structure 300 folding diagonal angle subdivisions 350 and still show subdivision 351 and 352.In one dimension tree structure, subdivision 351 and 352 is usually all the time by folded.After a while, UI321 can be selected dynamically to launch diagonal angle subdivision 350, if this is desired.

In the same way, user also may expect to revise normal sub-parts 360.User will provide the input by selecting UI element 331, therefore fold the subdivision 360 comprising shape 312 in vertical direction.In one dimension tree structure, subdivision 360 and 352 is usually all the time also by folded.But, in certain embodiments, the folding normal sub-parts 360 of two-dimentional tree structure 300 and still show subdivision 361.After a while, UI331 can be selected dynamically to launch normal sub-parts 360, if this is desired.

Similarly, user also may expect the horizontal subdivision 354 of amendment.User will provide the input by selecting UI element 326, therefore fold the subdivision 354 comprising shape 306 in the horizontal direction.As mentioned above, in one dimension tree structure, subdivision 355 and 356 is usually also by folded.In certain embodiments, two-dimentional tree structure 300 fold flat subdivisions 306 and still show subdivision 307 and 308.Vertically revise as diagonal sum, after a while, UI326 can be selected dynamically to launch horizontal subdivision 354, if this is desired.

In addition, Fig. 3 B also illustrates that the new subdivision 362 comprising shape 314 and UI element 334 has been added to two-dimentional tree structure 300.Designer tool/application 120 allows user to select to expect a part for the tree structure 300 adding new subdivision to it.Such as, user can use user interface, and this user interface allows user to select and pulls a new graphics sub-portions or object and position desired by placing it on tree structure.Then designer tool/application 120 can add this new subdivision or object automatically; And tree structure 300 is scaled to optimize available display space.Therefore, this user dynamically can add new subdivision or object to tree structure 300.

With reference to figure 3C, show the further amendment to two-dimentional tree structure 300.In this description, show root shape 301 and comprise the end portion 359 of shape 311.Also the frame 380 of the subdivision 350 representing Fig. 3 A and all subdivisions exceeding subdivision 350 is shown.Similarly, frame 390 represents the subdivision 353 of Fig. 3 A and exceeds all subdivisions of subdivision 353.Note, use frame 380 and 390 just conveniently, and and do not mean that any actual displayed implying designer instrument 120.

Fig. 3 C illustrates that two-dimentional tree structure 300 is revised any subdivision and also need not revise the ability of the subdivision gone out from the part bifurcated be modified.Although only have three instance modifications shown in tree structure 300, any one in other subdivisions shown in Fig. 3 A also can convergent-divergent, folding or expansion flatly, vertically and/or diagonally as required.Therefore user has each several part dynamically launching frame 380 and 390 is considered to those parts desired by this user ability with display.This advantageously allows this user to focus on most interested subdivision.

In addition, if Fig. 3 C illustrates that tree structure 300 has the ability needing folding all elements except root shape and end portion.For the tree structure with a hundreds of subdivision, this expects that an indication example is favourable for the beginning and end of process.Note, when modifying in Fig. 3 B and 3C (although not shown), designer instrument 120 also dynamically convergent-divergent tree structure 300 be optimally applicable to available display space.

Below mentioned many times, some embodiment disclosed herein is tree-shaped relevant to the two dimension with each subdivision, the subdivision that these subdivisions can be modified and also need not revise end portion or go out from the subdivision bifurcated be just modified.It is different how this and one dimension tree structure are modified usually.These one dimension tree structures are generally shown as to be had root and comprises one or more branches of each subdivision and/or other subdivisions gone out from main split's bifurcated.The example of one dimension tree structure comprises file and the folder content of known computer operating system.One dimension tree structure allows user fold and launch each subdivision.But diametrically opposite with some embodiment of above-mentioned two-dimentional tree structure, the subdivision of serving as end portion is revising whenever also being modified of any other subdivision above it usually.

Such as, Fig. 5 shows typical one dimension tree structure 500.It can be the shape 501-504 of any Drawing Object that tree structure 500 comprises.Second subdivision 522 to go out and the 3rd subdivision 523 of also serving as the end portion this tree structure goes out from this second subdivision 522 bifurcated from the first subdivision 521 bifurcated.If user folds this first subdivision 521, then comprise shape 502,503 and 504 this second and the 3rd subdivision 522 and 523 also by auto-folder.In the same way, auto-folder is comprised the 3rd subdivision 523 of shape 503 and 504 by this second subdivision 522 folding.User can not fold this second subdivision 522 while still showing the 3rd subdivision 523, or second and/or the 3rd folds this first subdivision 521 while subdivision 522 and 523 still showing this.In the same way, subdivision 521 and/or 522 also Automatic-expanding subdivision 523 is launched.In above all scenes, any amendment of the subdivision of opposite end portions more than 523 all can cause end portion 523 to be also modified.

With reference now to Fig. 4 A-4C, show another example of other amendment aspect of some embodiment of two-dimentional tree structure.In Figure 4 A, with shape 401-405 illustrate can be corresponding with the tree structure 190 of Fig. 1 two-dimentional tree structure 400.As previous example, the exact nature of shape 401-405 is unimportant.In this example, shape 401 represents the root of the tree structure 400 also comprising subdivision 410-413.As mentioned above, user's input of amendment subdivision 411 can be received.

With reference to figure 4B, amendment subdivision 411 obtains representing the UI element 460 of folded shape 402 and 403.Tree structure 400 comprises shape 401,404 and 405 now.In addition, the subdivision 430 comprising subdivision 410,412 and UI element 460 is then created.

With reference now to Fig. 4 C, show user and revised subdivision 430, this obtains representing the UI element 461 of folded shape 401 and 404 and represents the UI element 460 of the shape previously folded.Note, although UI element 460 is shown in UI element 461 inside in figure 4 c, this is not a necessary feature.Such as, in certain embodiments, single UI element can make all folding subdivision of UI element 460 and 461 launch when being easily selected by a user.In other embodiments, UI element 460 can be hidden and can until UI element 461 is unfolded just visible in UI element 461.

In other embodiments, Fig. 4 C illustrates that designer instrument 120 can remember the state of hiding subdivision.Such as, if UI element 461 is launched by user after a while, then by display shape 401 and 404, but shape 402 and 403 is incited somebody to action still folded and is represented until UI element 460 is unfolded after a while by UI element 460.

In other embodiments, as mentioned above, computing system 100 comprises and can be used for the long-time memory 170 of maintenance to the amendment done by two-dimentional tree structure.Such as, later with reference to figure 4A-4C, when subdivision 411 is folded into UI element 460, this amendment can be maintained in long-time memory.If user will exit designer tool/application 120, then this amendment can not be lost.After a while, when this user reactivates designer tool/application 120, dendrogram 400 will be shown as shown in Figure 4 B.

Similarly, if subdivision 430 was folded into UI element 461 by user before exiting designer tool/application 120, then the amendment that the amendment made of subsections 430 and the subsections 411 that can be hidden are made is maintained in long-time memory 170.After a while, when this user reactivates designer tool/application 120, dendrogram 400 will be shown as shown in Figure 4 C.Advantageously, whether no matter the amendment represented by UI element 460, hide, if be all retained to make user launch UI element 461, will show UI element 460 as shown in Figure 4 B.If then UI element 460 is unfolded, then will show tree structure 400 as shown in Figure 4 A.Therefore, even when the application program of this tree structure out of service, also storage is lastingly hiding gives user's amendment with the ability of the amendment of non-concealed and need not follow the tracks of the ability of all modifications done when exiting this application program.This is particularly useful for comprising the tree structure of a hundreds of nested subdivision.If this amendment is not persisted, then user will have to reform when each application program launching amendment.

The present invention also can describe according to the method comprising functional step and/or non-functional acts.It is hereafter the description that can be performed to put into practice step of the present invention and/or action.Usually, functional step is according to the result that can realize to describe the present invention, and non-functional acts describes and realizes the more specifically action of particular result.Although functional step and/or non-functional acts can describe or statement by certain order, the present invention not necessarily will be limited to any certain order or the combination of step and/or action.In addition, in the describing of claim and use step and/or action with the specific use of instruction to the expectation of these terms in the description of the following process flow diagram to Fig. 6-9.

As mentioned above, Fig. 6-9 shows the process flow diagram for each exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Below to the description of Fig. 6-9 by frequently with reference to the corresponding element in figure 1-4.Although can make the reference to element-specific in these accompanying drawings, these are with reference to only for illustration of property object, and not intended to be limiting or otherwise reduce the scope of described embodiment, unless explicitly claimed.

First turn to Fig. 6, show the process flow diagram of method 600, the method be used for by the process flow diagram of figure shape visual language dynamically layout become to allow to be easy to user interactions and the optimum two-dimentional tree structure shown.Method 600 comprises the graphical tree structure that display 601 comprises at least one branch, and this branch is from the root of this tree structure and comprise multiple subdivision, and wherein subdivision comprises at least one end portion.This subdivision is come system, service or process model building according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act.

Such as, the layout/present module 130 of designer tool/application 120 can show two-dimentional tree structure 190.Tree structure 200,300 and 400 is the examples meeting two-dimentional tree structure defined above.

Method 600 also comprises the user interactions that the one or more subdivisions in this graphical tree structure except at least one end portion are revised in reception 602.Such as, the user of subdivision that the modified module 140 of designer tool/application 120 can receive amendment tree structure 190 inputs 180.In certain embodiments, user interactions can select one or more subdivision for convergent-divergent, folding or expansion.This usually can complete by activating the UI unit be associated with by the subdivision be modified.

In certain embodiments, the modified module 140 of designer tool/application 120 also receives and specifies tree structure 190 by the one or more predefine rules 160 how be modified and show.Based on this rule and the user interactions received, dynamically revise tree structure 190.

Method 600 also comprises based on this user interactions, by convergent-divergent, expansion or folding in one dynamically revise 603 one or more subdivisions except end portion so that user interactions, optimization display or both and without the need to revising end portion.Such as, the modified module 140 of designer tool/application 120 can dynamically revise tree structure 190, and then it can be optimized for display by layout modules 130.Vertically, flatly, diagonally or with its any combination can revise subdivision.

Such as, in certain embodiments, can vertically, flatly, diagonally or with the one or more subdivision of its any combination folding without the need to folded end part, as shown in Figure 3 B.In these embodiments, folding can comprising at least one in subdivision is automatically formatted as the single Drawing Objects such as all UI elements as described above.This single Drawing Object generally will be configured to can launch to get back to this at least one subdivision after receiving additional user interactive.This additional user interactive can to launch this UI element equally simple with user.

In other embodiments, second subdivision with at least one node being coupled to the first subdivision can by dynamically convergent-divergent, folding or expansion.This first subdivision then can after this second subdivision by dynamically revising without the need to revising end portion.This allows the hiding amendment in tree data structure as shown in figs. 4 a-4 c.

In other embodiments, also can vertically, flatly or launch one or more subdivision with its any combination and without the need to launching end portion.In these embodiments, expansion can comprise the deployable Drawing Objects such as such as UI element are automatically formatted as at least one subdivision.

In a further embodiment, on-the-fly modify to comprise and add new subdivision to tree structure.Such as, the subdivision 362 comprising shape 314 is added to two-dimentional tree structure 300.This new subdivision is by selecting the desired location in tree structure and making designer tool/application 120 automatically locate this new subdivision simultaneously and this tree structure of self-poise adds.

Turn to Fig. 7 now, show the process flow diagram of method 700, the method is used for the amendment made one or more sub-branches of vision tree structure to retain lastingly in memory to make even also to be kept when user exits the application program for revising this tree structure the change done by the display of this tree structure.Method 700 comprises the application program that activation 701 shows tree structure, and this tree structure to comprise from the root of this tree structure and comprises at least one branch of multiple sub-branch.These sub-branches are used for coming system, service or process model building according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act.

Such as, can activate designer tool/application 120 to show tree structure 190, its example is shown in Fig. 2-4.In certain embodiments, tree structure also can be one dimension tree structure.

Method 700 also comprise reception 702 revise in multiple sub-branch the user of at least one input.Such as, the user of one or more sub-branches of modified module 140 reception amendment tree structure 190 inputs 140.In certain embodiments, this user input can select the UI element launching or fold this sub-branch.Amendment can comprise convergent-divergent, folds and expand the sub-branch be just modified.

Method 700 also comprises and inputting based on this user, keep in long-time memory 703 to the amendment done by this sub-branch to make the time after a while after user has exited this application program reactivate this application program time, this tree structure can with its when application program is exited occur just the same to show.Such as, can be maintained in long-time memory 170 amendment done by tree structure 190.When designer tool/application 120 exits and is then reactivated after a while, being presented at when designer tool/application 120 exits of tree structure 190 is shown again.

In certain embodiments, user's input that amendment has the second sub-branch of the node being coupled to the first sub-branch is received.This second sub-branch is modified.After this amendment, revise the first sub-branch and be hidden to make the amendment of the second sub-branch.Then the amendment state hidden of the second sub-branch can be stored in long-time memory.When this application program is run after a while, the reception of the user of UI element input is such as selected to allow this second sub-branch hidden to be shown.

Such as, with reference to figure 4A-4C, subdivision 411 can be folded into UI element 411.After this, as explained above, subdivision 430 can be folded into the UI element 461 of hiding UI element 411.The tree structure 400 comprising UI element 461 is kept in long-time memory 170 and allows to recover subdivision 411 when application program 120 is reactivated as mentioned above.

With reference to figure 8, show the method 800 for by tree-shaped for vision cooperating measure being two-dimentional tree structure.Method 800 comprises the first tree structure or the figure shape visual language that reception 801 comprises multiple subdivisions that can not be modified.In alternative, receive the second tree structure, this second tree structure to comprise from the root of this tree structure and comprises at least one branch of multiple subdivision.These subdivisions are come system, service or process model building according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act.As long as these subdivisions comprise one or more subdivision be modified at least one end portion be just modified.

Such as, the layout modules 130 of designer tool/application 120 can receive figure shape visual language 110, this figure shape visual language can be can not be modified the tree structure be pre-existing in, be merely able to the one dimension tree structure be pre-existing in be modified when end portion is modified or the Subgraph shape visual language be pre-existing in.Figure shape visual language 110 also can be any one in these three that are created by user as mentioned above.This Subgraph shape visual language can comprise the structural drawing what emphasizes usually must have in the system just in modeling, service or process; Emphasize the behavior figure of necessary what happened in the system just in modeling, service or process; And the interaction figure of control between the thing emphasizing in the system just in modeling, service or process and data stream.It also can comprise the entity relationship diagram in the unified modeling language (UML) of various diagram type, database field and the business process map for business Process Design.

Method 800 also comprises changes 802 into two-dimentional tree structure by the receive first or second tree structure or Subgraph shape visual language.Two dimension tree structure comprises at least one branch, this branch is from the root of this two-dimentional tree structure and comprise the multiple subdivisions comprising end portion, and the subdivision wherein except end portion is by convergent-divergent, folding or launch to revise and without the need to also revising this end portion.

Such as, the tree structure received or figure shape visual language can be converted to two-dimentional tree structure 190 by modular converter 150.As mentioned above, vertically, flatly, diagonally or with any combination of three this two-dimentional tree structure can be revised.Switched two-dimentional tree structure also allows previously all functions relevant with embodiment to additive method described herein described by two-dimentional tree structure.

Turn to Fig. 9 now, show the process flow diagram of method 900, the method be used for by the diagram of figure shape visual language dynamically layout become to allow to be easy to user interactions and the optimum two-dimentional tree structure shown.Method 900 comprises the graphical tree structure that display 901 comprises at least one branch, and this branch is from the root of this graphical tree structure and comprise the multiple subdivisions being configured to revise in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.These subdivisions are come system, service or process model building according to one or more object, attribute, operation and the functional relationship associated and internal act.Subdivision also can be configured to revise diagonally.

Such as, the layout/present module 130 of designer tool/application 120 can show two-dimentional tree structure 190.Tree structure 200,300 and 400 is the examples meeting two-dimentional tree structure defined above.

Method 900 also comprises the user interactions that the one or more subdivisions except at least one end portion in this graphical tree structure are revised in reception 902.Such as, the user of subdivision that the modified module 140 of designer tool/application 120 can receive amendment tree structure 190 inputs 180.In certain embodiments, user interactions can select one or more subdivision for vertically, flatly and may convergent-divergent, folding or launch diagonally.This usually can complete by activating the UI unit be associated with by the subdivision be modified.

Method 900 also comprises based on this user interactions, flatly, vertically or both have concurrently on-the-fly modify 903, with allow to be easy to user interactions and display optimization or both.Such as, the modified module 140 of designer tool/application 120 can dynamically revise tree structure 190, and then it can be optimized for display by layout modules 130.Subdivision can scaled, expansion or folding.

In other embodiments, second subdivision with at least one node being coupled to the first subdivision can dynamically be revised.Then first subdivision dynamically can be revised the mode of the amendment of this second subdivision to hide after the second subdivision.This allows the hiding amendment in tree data structure as shown in figs. 4 a-4 c.This amendment of hiding after a while can the display when receiving further user input.

In other embodiments, on-the-fly modify to comprise and add new subdivision to tree structure.Such as, the subdivision 362 comprising shape 314 is added to two-dimentional tree structure 300.This new subdivision is by selecting the desired location in tree structure and making designer tool/application 120 automatically locate this new subdivision simultaneously and this tree structure of self-poise adds.Also can realize such as multiple connector combination being become other amendment technology such as a connector.

In a further embodiment, optimize the display of graphical tree structure to comprise and one or more subdivision automatically switched to vertical direction from horizontal direction or one or more subdivision is automatically switched to horizontal direction to be optimized for the depth-width ratio of display device or window from vertical direction.Such as, in some cases, one or more branches of graphical tree structure may make the display of this graphical tree structure not optimised for the depth-width ratio of display device.Such as, this graphical tree structure may be long in vertical direction, and display device has untapped display space in the horizontal direction.In this case, one or more normal sub-parts can be automatically switched to level display by designer tool/application 120.These subdivisions can such as when a new element be added to need to switch keep the graphical tree structure of display optimization time etc. moment after a while of ensureing of situation switch and get back to vertical display.

Such as, with reference to figure 3A, in certain embodiments, can the automatically switch display of normal sub-parts 360 and 361 of designer tool/application 120 is gone out so that the depth-width ratio for display device is optimized from the horizontal bifurcated of element 310 to be shown as.In the same way, can the automatically switch display of horizontal subdivision 354-356 (or any subset of these subdivisions) of designer tool/application 120 is gone out from element 305 vertical crouch to be shown as when situation ensures.Note, the display direction of any one that designer tool/application 120 can automatically switch in the element of Fig. 3 A and 3B is where necessary to be optimized for the depth-width ratio of display device or window.

The present invention can be embodied as other concrete form and not deviate from its spirit or essential characteristic.It is only illustrative and nonrestrictive that described embodiment all should be considered in all respects.Thus, scope of the present invention by appended claims but not aforementioned description instruction.Fall in the implication of the equivalent way of claims and scope change and should be contained by the scope of claims.

Claims (17)

1. one kind in computing system (100) for by diagram dynamically layout become two-dimentional tree structure (200) no matter muchly all part needed for this tree structure can be checked to allow this tree structure to have, and meanwhile preserve the method for the flow process of diagram, described computing system (100) uses figure shape visual language (110) to come for such as system, the figure diagram modeling of the things such as service or process, this model representation whole object system, and usually need manual modification and convergent-divergent again, wherein said computing system comprises design tool, described design tool is used for figure shape visual language to be shown as two-dimentional tree structure, described method comprises:

By the layout modules of described design tool, receive figure shape visual language;

By the modular converter of described layout modules, convert figure shape visual language to graphical tree structure;

By the layout modules of described design tool, display (901) comprises the graphical tree structure (200) of at least one branch, described branch is from the root (201) of described graphical tree structure (200) and comprise for according to one or more object, attribute, operation, the functional relationship of association and internal act represent multiple subdivisions (231-237) of whole object model, wherein said multiple subdivision (231-237) is configured to revise in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, each in wherein said multiple subdivision comprises the user interaction elements and shape that are associated, the described user interaction elements be associated allows to carry out folding or launching to described subdivision,

By the modified module of described design tool, receive the user interactions (180) that (902) select the first subdivision in described multiple subdivision of described graphical tree structure, wherein the second subdivision is connected to described first subdivision; And

Based on described user interactions, described modified module dynamically and automatically by only show described first user interactive elements and replace described first subdivision and still show simultaneously described second subdivision fold (903) described first subdivision allowing being easy to user interactions, optimize the display of described graphical tree structure (200) or both.

2. the method for claim 1, is characterized in that, also comprises:

Dynamically amendment has described second subdivision of at least one node being coupled to described first subdivision; And

After described second subdivision of amendment, dynamically revise described first subdivision to make to be hidden being modified in when described first subdivision is modified of described second subdivision, and the wherein said hiding amendment to the second subdivision can show when receiving additional user interactive.

3. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, new subdivision adds described graphical tree structure to by the desired location that described new subdivision is positioned described graphical tree structure, and wherein said new subdivision is automatically added to described graphical tree structure.

4. the method for claim 1, is characterized in that, described figure shape visual language comprises the structural drawing what emphasizes to have in the system be just modeled, service or process; Emphasize the behavior figure of what happened in the system be just modeled, service or process; And one or more in the interaction figure of control between the thing emphasizing in the system be just modeled, service or process and data stream.

5. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, the display optimizing described graphical tree structure comprises and one or more subdivision is automatically switched to vertical direction from horizontal direction or one or more subdivision is automatically switched to horizontal direction to be optimized for the depth-width ratio of display device or window from vertical direction.

Though one kind in computing systems for by diagram dynamically layout become two-dimentional tree structure muchly all can check part needed for this tree structure to allow this tree structure to have, and meanwhile preserve the system of the flow process of diagram, described computing system use figure shape visual language comes for such as system, the figure diagram modeling of the things such as service or process, this model representation whole object system, and usually need manual modification and convergent-divergent again, wherein said computing system comprises design tool, described design tool is used for figure shape visual language to be shown as two-dimentional tree structure, described system comprises:

For the layout modules by described design tool, receive the device of figure shape visual language;

For the modular converter by described layout modules, figure shape visual language is converted to the device of graphical tree structure;

For the layout modules by described design tool, display comprises the device of the graphical tree structure of at least one branch, described branch is from the root of described graphical tree structure and comprise for according to one or more object, attribute, operation, the functional relationship of association and internal act represent multiple subdivisions of whole object model, wherein said multiple subdivision is configured to revise in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, each in wherein said multiple subdivision comprises the user interaction elements and shape that are associated, the described user interaction elements be associated allows to carry out folding or launching to described subdivision,

For the modified module by described design tool, receive the device of the user interactions of the first subdivision in the described multiple subdivision selecting described graphical tree structure, wherein the second subdivision is connected to described first subdivision; And

For based on described user interactions, described modified module vertically, flatly or both have concurrently dynamically and automatically by only showing described first user interactive elements and replace described first subdivision and still showing described second subdivision carrys out folding described first subdivision to allow being easy to user interactions, to optimize the display of described graphical tree structure or both devices simultaneously.

7. one kind in computing system (100) for by diagram dynamically layout become two-dimentional tree structure (300) no matter muchly all part needed for this tree structure can be checked to allow this tree structure to have, and meanwhile preserve the method for the flow process of diagram, described computing system (100) uses figure shape visual language (110) to come for such as system, service, or the figure diagram modeling of the things such as process, this model representation whole object system, and usually need manual modification and convergent-divergent again, wherein said computing system comprises design tool, described design tool is used for figure shape visual language to be shown as two-dimentional tree structure, described method comprises:

By the layout modules of described design tool, receive figure shape visual language;

By the modular converter of described layout modules, convert figure shape visual language to graphical tree structure;

By the layout modules of described design tool, display (601) comprises the graphical tree structure (300) of at least one branch, described branch is from the root (301) of described graphical tree structure (300) and comprise for according to one or more object, attribute, operation, the functional relationship of association and internal act represent multiple subdivisions (350-361) of whole object model, and wherein said subdivision (350-361) comprises at least one end portion (361), each in wherein said multiple subdivision comprises the user interaction elements and shape that are associated, the described user interaction elements be associated allows to carry out folding or launching to described subdivision,

By the modified module of described design tool, the user interactions (180) of the user interaction elements of the first subdivision in the described multiple subdivision in described graphical tree structure except described at least one end portion (361) is selected in reception (602), and wherein the second subdivision is connected to described first subdivision; And

Based on described user interactions, described modified module dynamically and automatically by only show described first user interactive elements and replace described first subdivision and still show simultaneously described second subdivision come folding described first subdivision allowing being easy to user interactions, optimize the display of described graphical tree structure (300) or both, and without the need to revising at least one end portion described.

8. method as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, described multiple subdivision can vertically, flatly, diagonally or with its any combination be revised.

9. method as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, also comprise:

Receive and specify described tree structure by the one or more predefine rule how be modified and show; And

Based on described one or more rule and received user interactions, dynamically convergent-divergent, expansion or folding subdivision except at least one end portion described.

10. method as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, also comprise of maybe can not revise in graphical tree structure by one-dimensional pattern tree structure and automatically convert X-Y scheme tree structure to.

11. methods as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, also comprise and the section of the connecting line of two or more subdivision is combined into single connecting line.

12. methods as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, receive user interactions and comprise:

Select one or more subdivision for convergent-divergent, folding or expansion.

13. methods as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, fold and comprise:

At least one in described subdivision is automatically formatted as single Drawing Object, and described single Drawing Object is configured to launch when receiving additional user interactive to get back at least one subdivision described.

14. methods as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, launch to comprise:

Deployable Drawing Object is automatically formatted as at least one subdivision.

Though 15. one kinds in computing systems for by diagram dynamically layout become two-dimentional tree structure muchly all can check part needed for this tree structure to allow this tree structure to have, and meanwhile preserve the system of the flow process of diagram, described computing system use figure shape visual language comes for such as system, service, or the figure diagram modeling of the things such as process, this model representation whole object system, and usually need manual modification and convergent-divergent again, wherein said computing system comprises design tool, described design tool is used for figure shape visual language to be shown as two-dimentional tree structure, described system comprises:

For the layout modules by described design tool, receive the device of figure shape visual language;

For the modular converter by described layout modules, figure shape visual language is converted to the device of graphical tree structure;

For the layout modules by described design tool, display comprises the device of the graphical tree structure of at least one branch, described branch is from the root of described graphical tree structure and comprise for according to one or more object, attribute, operation, the functional relationship of association and internal act represent multiple subdivisions of whole object model, and wherein said subdivision comprises at least one end portion, each in wherein said multiple subdivision comprises the user interaction elements and shape that are associated, the described user interaction elements be associated allows to carry out folding or launching to described subdivision,

For the modified module by described design tool, receive the device of the user interactions of the user interaction elements of the first subdivision in the described multiple subdivision selected in described graphical tree structure except at least one end portion described, wherein the second subdivision is connected to described first subdivision; And

For based on described user interactions, described modified module by convergent-divergent, expansion or folding in one or more come dynamically and automatically by only show described first user interactive elements and replace described first subdivision and still show simultaneously described second subdivision come folding described first subdivision allowing being easy to user interactions, optimize the display of described graphical tree structure or both, and without the need to revising at least one end portion described.

16. 1 kinds of methods in computing system (100), though described method be used for by diagram dynamically layout become two-dimentional tree structure muchly all can check part needed for this tree structure to allow this tree structure to have, and meanwhile preserve diagram flow process and for the amendment made the one or more subdivisions (231-237) in vision tree structure (200) is retained in storer (170) lastingly, even also be kept when the application program (120) for revising described vision tree structure (200) is exited by user to make the change made by the display of user to described vision tree structure (200), described computing system (100) comprises for being such as system, the figure shape visual language (110) of the diagram modeling of the things such as service or process, this model representation is shown as the whole object system of described vision tree structure (200), described method comprises:

Activate the application program (120) that (701) display comprises the graphical tree structure (200) of at least one branch, described branch is from the root of described graphical tree structure (200) and comprise according to the functional relationship of one or more object, attribute, operation, association and internal act to represent multiple sub-branches (231-237) of whole object model, each in wherein said multiple sub-branch comprises the user interaction elements and shape that are associated, described in the user interaction elements that is associated allow to carry out folding or launching to described sub-branch;

The modified module of described application program receives user's input (180) that (702) select the user interaction elements of the first sub-branch in described multiple sub-branch (231-237), and described first sub-branch is connected to the second sub-branch;

Based on user interactions, described modified module dynamically and automatically by only show described first user interactive elements and replace described first sub-branch and still show simultaneously described second sub-branch come folding described first sub-branch come folding described first sub-branch allowing being easy to user interactions, optimize the display of described graphical tree structure (200) or both; And

In long-time memory (170), keep (703) described folding, with make after user has exited described application program time reactivates described application program after a while time, described graphical tree structure (200) to be shown in before described application program (120) exits the appearance that its occurs.

17. methods as claimed in claim 16, is characterized in that, also comprise:

Receive the user's input performed the amendment of described second sub-branch with at least one node being coupled to described first sub-branch;

Described second sub-branch was revised to make to be hidden being modified in when described first sub-branch is modified of described second sub-branch before described first sub-branch of amendment; And

In described long-time memory, preserving the amendment state of described hiding described second sub-branch when exiting described application program, can be shown when receiving additional user interactive to make the described hiding amendment to described second sub-branch when running described application program after a while.